Take to the Ohio River and see Cincinnati in a different light on one of these excellent riverboat tours and dinner cruises.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
The great city of Cincinnati sits on the north bank of the Ohio River, which splits it from the state of Kentucky. The best way to appreciate the cityscape on either side of the river is by floating along it. Taking a traditional riverboat along the Ohio, complete with a paddle wheel and open decks, is a fun and traditional way to go. Throw a dinner into the mix while watching the setting sun for an enhanced cruise experience. Here are three top options.
Cincinnati Historic Sightseeing Cruise
The Queen City, as Cincinnati is known (as well as ‘The Athens of the West’), was first settled in 1788 and the city’s skyline is best viewed from the Ohio River. On this 90-minute riverboat cruise, your captain will provide commentary about the buildings you pass and their relevance to the city’s past and present. You will also learn much about the parts of northern Kentucky visible during the trip. This tour is usually available at 3pm on Tue-Thu and Sat-Sun. From $26 per person.
Sunset Cruise on the Ohio River
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
The stunning River Queen is part of the BB Riverboats fleet of old-timey paddleboats. This charming white and red boat plies the Ohio River for two hours at sunset, as the lands of Kentucky and the Ohio city of Cincinnati are daubed in the warm glow of the fading light. There is also live music on board, setting a jolly tone as you explore this lovely stretch of water. There’s a cash bar on board for drinks and snacks. From $29 per person.
Cincinnati: Dinner Cruise on the Ohio River
Aboard the Belle of Cincinnati, you will find ample space on the decks and inside the cabins to sit and enjoy the river views. But the highlight of this two-hour tour is the dinner and dessert included in your cruise price. There are a number of different cruise options to choose from, including the captain’s and admiral’s dinner cruises, with the latter offering more dining options, including carved turkey, ribs and vegetarian pasta dishes. Alcoholic drinks can be purchased from the onboard bar for an additional fee. From $57 per person.